Incline Construction is shaping Aspen’s luxury landscape through craftsmanship, collaboration, and client-centered building
Founded in 2012 by Walter and Monika Hooker, Incline Construction (Incline) combines decades of industry experience with an in-depth understanding of Aspen’s unique market. From sophisticated kitchen remodels to ground-up custom homes and complex development projects, the team delivers tailored solutions built around each client’s vision.
Today, Incline works closely with developers and seasonal homeowners alike, helping transform opportunities in Aspen’s most sought-after neighborhoods, into distinctive spaces designed for the way people want to live. Walt and Monika sit down with Modern Home Builders to share insight into Incline’s client-centric process and exemplary recent projects, while discussing their future goals for the company and the secrets behind its success thus far.
“We believe that attention to detail and communication are key to understanding your clients’ needs and desires,” Walt begins. “It all starts well before construction begins, with permit work and collaboration with the local government. It takes a team to bring each project to life. Most of our subcontractors have worked with us for many years, and we believe that we have the credentials and reliability that both clients and subcontractors look for when working with us.”
Quality and collaboration
“We believe in steady growth based on our reputation and the quality of the finished product. We started as a ‘one-man show,’ running our own small projects, and grew into a substantial company with multiple project managers and supervisors. We have been very lucky with our team, and we consider ourselves a big family,” Monika adds. “Similarly, it’s not only about the company’s growth, but also about keeping our guys happy with golf outings, ski passes, and wellness contributions. A healthy and happy mind beats an overworked employee every time. We try to create balance for our guys and cultivate a happy environment.”
This commitment to quality and collaboration is reflected in the caliber of projects Incline has taken on over the years. With a trusted team of longstanding subcontractors, project managers, and supervisors working together to bring each vision to life, the company has developed a reputation for delivering homes that are as remarkable in execution as they are in scale and setting.
Special projects
One of the company’s most prestigious projects to date is situated in the exclusive Red Mountain Ranch area, Aspen’s wealthiest enclave and home to some of the world’s most recognized businesspeople. Set on a premier lot encompassing 7,182 square feet, the home comprises six bedrooms, eight bathrooms, and jaw-dropping views of Colorado’s Red Mountain. Meticulously crafted with sustainable technology and world-class amenities, this project was sold for over $37 million in 2025 and was featured in the Wall Street Journal and Robb Report.
“Our role as the general contractor for this project was to work with the architect and design team to bring the vision to life,” Walter elaborates. “One of the features that makes this home special is the architecture and how it takes advantage of the views. We used high-end custom materials such as stone, steel, glass, cabinetry, and wood, and the craftsmanship behind them really pulled this entire project together. Additionally, we paid great attention to energy efficiency in this home and engineered a variety of advanced smart home systems. Being recognized by the Wall Street Journal was a great validation of our team’s work, and it represents the standard we bring to every project.”
In terms of ongoing projects, Incline is currently working on a major development off Willoughby Way in Aspen. As one of the company’s largest active projects, it reflects Incline’s ability to manage complex, full-scope builds while laying the groundwork for similar work in the future.
“The project off Willoughby Way is a new family compound for one of our most valued clients, made up of two homes totaling roughly 17,000 square feet of living space,” Monika details. “Our scope covers the full build: demolishing the existing homes, relocating the water service that supports the 30-plus other homes in the subdivision, and constructing both new residences. Site work is scheduled to begin this spring, with completion targeted for next fall. The project has been a great opportunity for our team; it showcases our high-end craftsmanship and has strengthened our local relationships. It also gives us a model we can carry into similar work in 2027.”
Vision for growth
As Incline looks toward the future, its approach remains rooted in the principles that have guided the company since its founding: thoughtful communication, exceptional craftsmanship, and steady, sustainable growth. From landmark residences in Aspen’s most prestigious neighborhoods to complex new developments, Walt, Monika, and the team have built an operation that places equal value on the finished product and the people behind it.
“For the rest of 2026, our focus is to finish our current projects safely, on schedule, and on budget, while protecting our backlog and cash flow heading into the new year. Looking into early 2027, we’ll continue to build our team through apprenticeships, retention, and leadership development,” Walt reveals.
“Ideally, we would love to keep growing at a healthy pace. This company has grown from nothing to what we have now in a very short amount of time, and we hope to keep it up,” Monika affirms, concluding our conversation excited for the years ahead. “Everything we’ve talked about comes back to a few commitments: safety on every site, quality that holds up long after we leave, and relationships built on trust – with our clients, our subcontractors, and the community where we work.”
